The advanced stealth aircraft, part of HMS Prince of Wales' fleet, was grounded in Kerala after its emergency landing on June 14. After extensive repairs and a deployment of UK engineers, the aircraft was cleared for flight and began its voyage to reconnect with its carrier that is currently engaged in joint exercises off the Australian coast.
The F-35B landed in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 after encountering bad weather during a routine flight over the Indian Ocean. Following its emergency landing, a technical malfunction kept the fighter jet grounded for over five weeks, raising questions and curiosity regarding the delays in repairs.
The aircraft was taken to a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport for fixes. A team of 14 UK engineers was eventually sent to assist in the repairs, which successfully allowed the jet to return to operational status. Speculation had emerged around the possibility of dismantling the $110 million aircraft for transportation, should repairs have failed.
During its prolonged presence on Indian soil, the "lonely F-35B" became the subject of various jokes and memes, with images highlighting the fighter lost amid heavy monsoon rains. Its situation even drew mentions in the UK Parliament, further amplifying public interest in the aircraft's predicament.
As it now heads to Darwin, the jet will rejoin the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, which has been conducting exercises in the region.
The F-35B landed in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 after encountering bad weather during a routine flight over the Indian Ocean. Following its emergency landing, a technical malfunction kept the fighter jet grounded for over five weeks, raising questions and curiosity regarding the delays in repairs.
The aircraft was taken to a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport for fixes. A team of 14 UK engineers was eventually sent to assist in the repairs, which successfully allowed the jet to return to operational status. Speculation had emerged around the possibility of dismantling the $110 million aircraft for transportation, should repairs have failed.
During its prolonged presence on Indian soil, the "lonely F-35B" became the subject of various jokes and memes, with images highlighting the fighter lost amid heavy monsoon rains. Its situation even drew mentions in the UK Parliament, further amplifying public interest in the aircraft's predicament.
As it now heads to Darwin, the jet will rejoin the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, which has been conducting exercises in the region.
